ED raids five Imphal premises in Manipur State Council money-laundering case
ED raids five Imphal premises in Manipur State Council money-laundering case
ED conducts searches in Imphal tied to leaders who declared Manipur's independence in 2019 London press conference, part of a ₹50 crore money-laundering probe.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, at five premises in Imphal connected to two individuals who scripted themselves as the chief minister and the external affairs and defence minister of the so-called Manipur State Council. The raids are part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged scheme that raised over ₹50 crore from the public under the guise of an investment opportunity.
The case traces back to a 2019 press conference held in London where Yambem Biren claimed the title of Chief Minister and Narengbam Samarjit styled himself as the External Affairs and Defence Minister of the Manipur State Council, signaling a declared independence from the Union of India. Investigators allege that such activities amount to waging war against the state, sedition, and promoting disharmony among communities. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have already registered cases against the accused and their associates.
The accused reportedly established the Kadangband Swajaldhara Implementation Committee in 2003, which was later renamed Smart Society in 2008. They also formed the Salai Financial Service (SAFFINS), with a registered office at Sagolband Tera Loukrakpam Leikai, Imphal. The licence for operations was issued under the Bombay Money Lenders Act and related rules. The ED says the entities under Salai Group of Companies facilitated the alleged financial scheme that misused public funds for private gain.
Authorities indicate the ongoing probe involves multiple angles of financial irregularities tied to the so-called Manipur State Council and its affiliates. The investigation, already broad in scope, aims to recover proceeds and understand the flow of funds connected to the alleged investment scheme. Officials emphasized that further updates will be shared as the inquiry progresses.
